Coolant Reservoir
The coolant reservoir is an area in our vehicles that contains the antifreeze and water solution that our engine needs to run properly. Without the coolant our vehicles would not be able to run under extreme weather conditions. The coolant keeps the engine working in both cold and hot climates. The fluid can be referred to as either antifreeze or coolant because it works as both. During hot climates the fluid in the radiator works to keep the engine nice and cool to avoid overheating and boiling. However during the winter months when the weather reaches below freezing temperatures the fluid works to prevent the engine from freezing and locking up with ice. Whichever name you prefer to call it, antifreeze or coolant, is necessary for your vehicle’s engine.
Keeping your coolant reservoir full is very important to ensure you do not run low when it is needed most. Coolant is also needed when you will be driving for long distances and the engine will be overworked. Driving without coolant can cause serious damage to the engine. Your coolant reservoir is easily located and should be filled whenever the fluids are reading at a low level. If you take your vehicle in for a regular oil change, your antifreeze should be filled as part of the regular maintenance routine, however if you do your own car maintenance and oil changes then you will need to check your coolant levels often to ensure they are at the proper levels.
If you figure out that your vehicle is not holding the coolant like it should be or you find coolant leaking from your vehicle then you will need to check to see where the leak is coming from. If you find that your coolant reservoir is damaged or cracked then you will need to replace that car part immediately. You will need to find a new coolant reservoir that matches the one on your car. All makes and models of vehicles have different shaped and sized coolant reservoirs.
Once you have located the right coolant reservoir for your vehicle you may have it installed by an experienced mechanic or you may install the coolant reservoir on your own. If you choose to install the new coolant reservoir on your own there are a few different things you will need to do to make sure the job is done properly. Although it is not too difficult, installing a new coolant reservoir can be messy if the coolant is not completely drained from the vehicle prior to taking the current coolant reservoir off the vehicle.
If you have removed your coolant reservoir and can not seem to find any damage then you may find that there is damage to another part of the coolant or radiator system. It is very common for the hoses that run from the reservoir to the radiator to be the actual problem and they may be cracked or worn to the point where they are leaking. Another part to the coolant reservoir that may need replaced at some point is the cap. These can also wear overtime and with the constant pressure from the fluid circulating in and out of the reservoir, the cap may eventually need replaced.
Once you notice that your vehicle is leaking coolant you should stop driving it until the problem has been determined. Even if the problem is not coming from the coolant reservoir there could be a leak somewhere else in the radiator and serious engine damage can occur by continuing to drive the vehicle. Make sure to fix all coolant issues and keep your vehicle full of the proper coolant levels to allow your car’s engine to run smoothly and for many years to come.
